[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6538931,"mediaKeyId","3795094-322c90875ac2307a7fbe982c2b5877a3","parentId",3795094,"title","Proposal to design pedestrian crosswalk at East Market and Center prompts debate over flashing beacons and fund‑balance use","audioSeconds",789,"startMs",2133780,"endMs",2923520,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3795094-322c90875ac2307a7fbe982c2b5877a3&start=2133&end=2923","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3795094-322c90875ac2307a7fbe982c2b5877a3/thumbnail_2133780.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6538931/Rhinebeck/Dutchess-County/New-York/Proposal-to-design-pedestrian-crosswalk-at-East-Market-and-Center-prompts-debate-over-flashing-beacons-and-fundbalance-use","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538931-f08dbcbd48c1a526d200fc4043fd0d6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168716&Signature=XGhzzafECZbWrbHtr2-IvT8tlxZyj31KoZ69lSK~7~s3ol5-QN1oqWd641~jLe-8qL6YsOZtv6wUrVObE6RWBsV-Ecdx4laA7f0r0Y3U1bLXOB-RrukVa4fSQzjnCzeXaOA-Td5jl4IQ8lA7Pw8JpiWguGSYENiYnm6v9Ds1dFhyChIMHczFtSmpigu0Ec3Vi0pwTjg~XANU3HtrOEU~41wkZvOzbowHBFnVpqa6VYsOV~vCX-HpnrOld94cwFS552F3q7iS9mzQnSrusrt4m~JqJyy8ytzGw5pA9FUpekNEbbqU6pik-Pr3wOnwLTvhPvFbvf5wdtRKejxYPnWQOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dutchess County","date","2025-06-08T04:45:07Z","article","Village staff proposed commissioning engineering work to design a pedestrian crosswalk and permitting package at the intersection of East Market and Center Street, including plans for rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs). The engineering task order was presented at an estimated $15,000 for design, permitting and bid documents.

Why it matters: East Market and Center Street are high‑pedestrian locations, especially on weekends during the farmer’s market. Installing a crosswalk with appropriate signage and possible user‑activated beacons would affect pedestrian safety, DOT permitting requirements and recurring maintenance costs for the village.

Discussion and concerns: Trustees asked whether the proposed task order — which staff indicated would be funded from fund balance — had to wait until the board completed a promised workshop on fund balance priorities. Several trustees also questioned the brightness and maintenance costs of user‑activated flashing signs after recounting an instance where an RRFB near a local business was unusually bright late at night. Brandy (engineering staff/consultant) said the RRFBs are generally solar and that maintenance is primarily battery replacement; trustees asked for an estimate of ongoing maintenance costs and whether a non‑flashing signage option could meet DOT permitting and safety requirements. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and NYSDOT policies were cited as constraints that drive signage requirements for crosswalks on state route 308.

Board direction: Rather than proceed immediately with the $15,000 task order as presented, trustees asked staff to revise the scope to remove flashing beacons (if feasible) to reduce cost and to return with a breakdown of installation and ongoing maintenance costs. Trustees also directed staff to coordinate with the comprehensive plan implementation committee and Dutchess County Transportation Council so crosswalk priorities align with the village’s broader pedestrian plan.

Outcome: No final vote was recorded to commit fund balance to the task order at the meeting. Staff (Brandy) was directed to revise the task order, evaluate non‑flashing alternatives, confirm DOT permitting needs and provide maintenance‑cost estimates and a prioritization recommendation to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Village of Rhinebeck Board of Trustees Meeting 05/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees debated a proposed $15,000 task order to design a crosswalk with rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons at East Market and Center Street, raising questions about maintenance, aesthetics and using fund balance to pay for engineering.","taxTitle","Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York","taxId",62384,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6538936,"Rhinebeck trustees press staff for invoices after $100,000 water/sewer overage request; vote tabled",966,751730,1718630,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3795094-322c90875ac2307a7fbe982c2b5877a3&start=751&end=1718","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3795094-322c90875ac2307a7fbe982c2b5877a3/thumbnail_751730.jpg","/articles/6538936/Rhinebeck/Dutchess-County/New-York/Rhinebeck-trustees-press-staff-for-invoices-after-100000-watersewer-overage-request-vote-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538936-aed2af968b0109863bc78c7c133b3d12/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168716&Signature=c~iWNPSvDKPeQK65yqx-BzRTD2HjzA-QFKul7wvrp9v7VEuTZIetuaR1IJLeEloU1jgtai9toehGw9KC69ou44aLwV854ZVXpbZ3FN-p7pM82NPI6PhMfEXxIVpXYIzzN3PpmEp2nnVhi-L6Ueae-rH6M4p9S~j7efZlg12kfv7WPtYrjMqPRqbmteBqEiTdm2mb~WM~9Ok1kmvGFRyT13OGjq62l5ElVoOw6q8D-P6mAIkNnK~~Pn3nosNV3ifd9IxBo4gFtn3-Li6LAQbQdQYFHYM1rhEgSfDLgo3NeEdKxpr7es3YE7lnANfHjAQTDX~fJr4n60GDp0x2WOEZvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Village Treasurer Karen McLaughlin presented a request to transfer $100,000 from the Capital Water account to cover overages in the water and sewer funds, prompting extended questioning from trustees and a decision to table the transfer until staff provide more detailed documentation.

Why it matters: The proposal would move capital reserves into operating accounts to cover nearly 10% of the village’s water budget, per the Treasurer’s figures. Trustees said they were surprised by the size and timing of the overages and sought a clearer separation between emergency repairs and ongoing operating‑cost increases before approving budget amendments.

What trustees heard: McLaughlin said the $100,000 request covered a set of overages that included short‑term EFC bond anticipation note interest and a cluster of excavation and line‑repair costs (she cited nearly $48,300 spent to date with D and D Excavating). She also noted increases in chemical costs and electricity used by water treatment processing. Kyle (public works superintendent) and others were identified as personnel who could give more technical detail; trustees asked for a line‑by‑line printout and a breakout of which costs were true emergencies versus recurring operating increases.

Trustee concerns and board direction: Trustees expressed frustration at learning about the cumulative overspend only at the meeting. Questions focused on why months‑old invoices (some dated July 2024 through May 2025) had not been reconciled earlier and whether recurring costs (e.g., higher chemical use, higher electrical costs) should be budgeted differently for fiscal year 2026. Multiple trustees recommended that staff institute a 90% line‑item alert so department heads must request approval when spending approaches that threshold. One trustee said the board has repeatedly asked departments to curb non‑emergency spending since February.

Decision and next steps: The motion to approve the water amendments and the $100,000 transfer was discussed but not finalized. Trustees voted to table the transfer and asked staff (Kyle, Brian and Will were specifically named in discussion) to supply detailed invoice lists, classification of emergency versus recurring expenses, and recommendations for how to budget for the newly higher chemical and utility costs. The treasurer will return with the requested documentation at a future meeting.

Clarifying details: McLaughlin listed multiple line items and explained that the water budget is approximately $1 million and that the $100,000 overages would represent about a 10% excess. She said Capital Water account balance would be $166,510 after the transfer if approved; New York Class balances for sewer were described as healthy while water had limited available funds.

The board did not approve the transfer; trustees requested an itemized report and a follow‑up presentation before taking official action.","Treasurer and trustees debated a proposed $100,000 transfer from the village’s capital water account to cover water and sewer fund overages. Trustees asked for line‑item invoices, emergency vs. recurring cost breakdowns and vowed to reconvene with department leaders before approving the transfer.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6538941,"Rhinebeck trustees approve hires, construction change order and several routine resolutions",5069,9760,5079000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3795094-322c90875ac2307a7fbe982c2b5877a3&start=9&end=5079","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3795094-322c90875ac2307a7fbe982c2b5877a3/thumbnail_9760.jpg","/articles/6538941/Rhinebeck/Dutchess-County/New-York/Rhinebeck-trustees-approve-hires-construction-change-order-and-several-routine-resolutions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538941-1a32ea70cd99cb96e10087e34afb0aed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168716&Signature=ahDtLozCghcegPZgHRiwx9d7GAW8g3r9lUxcmRY6PzATH6pKpYvOYKU4KpGsn1w5U4MKGLtE2Jftr~Q6nMxK-sjCE8ogdN6Gv0W6z2raqtjliu2zRU7nPM0-zLMVCf53KngdxamifioSuGJ4DG8Vu18neUrhvsaXWmdDFxes7AMFyjTWfWTkBZ9zwJaYz~JZuCu1J78yNaTK-WbN9LxxkOYPfsjzfCWxUn9RDA1olY4Nv9w47HaiUDod2DTzJCXWu7hOFdljZL9t82Ke0qbw7ekyyuJf6~ZbAWxdPH6WxaW49qzKYJYVVmX66mwE2VOHSG0vRiJFV-~rcWiYxI9KLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Village of Rhinebeck Board of Trustees approved a series of personnel, construction and administrative actions during its monthly meeting, including hiring two police officers, approving a change order for the Center Street project and passing multiple salary resolutions.

The approvals were routine votes taken during the regular meeting. The board voted to hire John Reiner and Michael Whelan as officers for the Village of Rhinebeck Police Department. Trustees approved change order number 6 for the Center Street project, which includes replacement of a manhole frame and cover and yielded a net contract savings. They also approved a consultant agreement tied to a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant (see separate article) and authorized several personnel salary resolutions covering elected officials, judges and full‑ and part‑time staff for the fiscal year beginning June 2, 2025.

Why it matters: These votes finalize immediate staffing needs, close out a capital project change order and set compensation levels and contracting authority that affect the village’s operating budget and planned capital work.

Key outcomes and context:
- Police hires: The board welcomed John Reiner and Michael Whelan as new village police officers after brief introductions on their prior policing experience. No dissent was recorded.
- Center Street change order: Change order number 6, which addressed a sinking manhole frame and an area of puddling identified after paving, was approved. The board was told project reconciliation produced $15,833.57 in savings while the manhole frame/cover replacement cost was $12,000; the net effect leaves the contract roughly $3,833.57 under the overall authorized budget.
- TAP consultant/TAP-funded work (preliminary engineering/management): The board approved a consultant agreement to begin work on a multi‑year TAP project (separate article summarizes the scope). The board authorized the deputy mayor to sign the agreement.
- Salary resolutions: The board adopted a set of resolutions setting yearly compensation for the mayor and trustees, judicial compensation and wage rates for water, sewer, highway and administrative staff effective June 2, 2025 through June 1, 2026.
- Routine administrative approvals: Trustees approved vouchers presented for payment, two small prior‑year write‑offs ($165 and $28.64), the surplus auction of Village Hall audio equipment, and multiple community event permits (Juneteenth display, school music performance, Rhinebeck Lions Club rubber duck race).

What the board did not finish: Several substantive items — notably a proposed larger transfer to cover water and sewer budget overages and a proposed traffic restriction/public hearing for Beach Street — were discussed at length but tabled or dropped for now (see separate articles). The board directed staff to provide additional documentation on those items.

The approvals take immediate effect; staff and contracting parties were directed to carry out the implemented items and to return with any required follow‑up documentation or implementation schedules.","The Village of Rhinebeck Board of Trustees unanimously approved two new police hires, a construction change order on the Center Street project, consultant work under a TAP grant and a set of personnel salary resolutions at its monthly meeting. Several administrative items and event permits also cleared the board.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6538924,"Trustees authorize TAP consultant agreement; deputy mayor to sign; sidewalk through mini‑park included",660,3068290,3729120,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3795094-322c90875ac2307a7fbe982c2b5877a3&start=3068&end=3729","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3795094-322c90875ac2307a7fbe982c2b5877a3/thumbnail_3068290.jpg","/articles/6538924/Rhinebeck/Dutchess-County/New-York/Trustees-authorize-TAP-consultant-agreement-deputy-mayor-to-sign-sidewalk-through-minipark-included","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6538924-ed0f43505ef782a0a3845784df5ba973/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168716&Signature=ZLTCDi1OSipvzoBUIngk-K4lkKCwQ04KdmPQXwmITo7biNqAdqUOHYeWpmE1lBTNyq-UvQKFYaRzVXL7QZ~wzCZ6kIs4zydEZoNfbQxATexYh3HzPeOeaIVAcEmtX-m8GgP1d7OME9UhVoVa0l6Irh7V2zcjs8RMkAltLIuQkGzqP71SvDutyIijVvSa1G4px~4rTZx8uILXhdI19cBhrm2T6jSqRpsZ6dPIcy~Qrg9adarOonKDCO3gaav9Rbw30anIorEl~FwZuUgzFYO38IwSV3ZIz9OP5z2ppoFHZaIZipKRN4Li~pUG5lyYDdGTiIH-VHMSn3CkKMSz3J2GnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Village of Rhinebeck Board of Trustees voted to authorize a consultant agreement with a selected engineering firm (GPI and associated subs) to begin preliminary engineering under a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. The board authorized the deputy mayor to execute the agreement.

Why it matters: The TAP‑funded project is the village’s primary near‑term active‑transportation capital initiative and will fund schematic designs, right‑of‑way investigations, permitting and public engagement for a planned multi‑use trail, sidewalk infill and intersection reconfigurations. The agreement moves the project from planning to the preliminary engineering phase and clears the way for future detailed design and bidding.

Scope and commitments: The consultant agreement covers preliminary field survey, right‑of‑way investigation, conceptual and preliminary plans, coordination with NYSDOT, preparation of permit and bidding documents, and public outreach. Projected consultant expense was discussed as part of the larger $2 million TAP grant; the consultant agreement authorizes the village to begin the engineering tasks that precede formal design and construction phases.

Board direction and amendment: Trustees asked for explicit inclusion of a sidewalk through the village mini‑park that connects to the high school; the motion passed with that confirmation. The deputy mayor was authorized to sign the agreement and the deputy mayor/locally responsible public official will oversee implementation and consultant coordination.

Next steps: The consultant will proceed with preliminary engineering, submit deliverables to the village and NYSDOT, and prepare materials for a public hearing. Trustees were reminded that the TAP grant has a capped total, and the village will need to manage change orders carefully to avoid exceeding the federal funding cap.","The board approved a consultant agreement to begin preliminary engineering under a federal TAP grant for a multi‑use trail and sidewalk improvements. The deputy mayor was authorized to sign the agreement and trustees requested explicit inclusion of a sidewalk through the mini‑park connecting to the high school.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Proposal to design pedestrian crosswalk at East Market and Center prompts debate over flashing beacons and fund‑balance use

Rhinebeck trustees press staff for invoices after $100,000 water/sewer overage request; vote tabled

Rhinebeck trustees approve hires, construction change order and several routine resolutions

Trustees authorize TAP consultant agreement; deputy mayor to sign; sidewalk through mini‑park included